NB: as of 23 September 2008, all new artSMart articles are being published on the site news.artsmart.co.za.

MEDWOOD FOR ARTISTS
(article first published : 2000-01-5)

Chris Knaggs runs The Garden Bistro in Medwood Gardens, situated between the City Hall and the Workshop. He is passionate about his surroundings, pointing out images that he believes would provide perfect inspiration for artists such as the flame trees, cycads and palms – not to mention the towering domes of the majestic City Hall across the road. “I want people to enjoy what I am lucky enough to be part of every day,” he says, fervently. “Unfortunately, Medwood Gardens has acquired a bad name for drunkards, layabouts and hoboes but there are very few incidents here any more since the City Police have been making their presence felt in these parts.”

Sitting there on a warm Durban summer evening around 18h00 under the thatched umbrellas surrounded by café clientele quaffing coffee or wine (you may BYO provided you eat) and watching young children playfully running around, it certainly seemed one of the calmest and most beautiful spots one could wish for. A blues guitarist, Chris often plays for his own amusement with a couple of friends and would like others to join them. “Nothing noisy, just nice laid-back music,” he says. Apart from any other attractions, the Garden Bistro’s prices are good, with a burger, chips and coke at R9,50 or a full English Breakfast for R7,95!

Under threat is the Medwood Gardens swimming pool adjoining the Bistro which Metro Council apparently plan to demolish later in the year (possibly June). It is understood that the idea is to create toilet facilities for the adjoining flea market. If this were to happen, it would be a great tragedy. It is a beautiful swimming pool and forms part of Durban’s history. Anyone out there prepared to take up the cudgels in its defence? In the meantime, if you are an artist, musician, busker, whatever – why not pop along to the Garden Bistro, particularly in the early evening around 17h00 and pick up the vibe. Or phone Chris Knaggs on (031) 304-1461 and throw around some ideas with him.